Mack, Haden miss practice

Two Browns starters missed practice while another three players were limited Wednesday as the team prepares for Sunday’s game against the Oakland Raiders at the O.co Coliseum.

Offensive lineman Alex Mack continues to recover from his appendectomy, while defensive back Joe Haden is working his way back from a knee injury suffered in the Browns’ 31-13 loss to the Tennessee Titans two weeks ago.

“They’re both getting better every day,” Browns coach Pat Shurmur said of Mack and Haden. “It’s still too early to speculate as to their availability for Oakland. Other than that, you’ll see most everybody out there practicing and ready to go. Until I can sit up here and tell you (Haden is) not available, then I’m hopeful.”

Mack had his appendix removed last Monday after playing a full complement of snaps in the loss to the Titans.

“It was annoying that I knew I was going to have to have to go through surgery,” Mack said Wednesday. “I had to call my family and tell them and then, had to go to the ER. It was not what I wanted to do with my bye week or my Monday.”

Though his teammates and coaches were aware that he was not feeling well, Mack said he was “feeling better” prior to the game.

“I knew that he came to the stadium and saw his breakfast again,” Shurmur said. “I’m aware of a lot of things that go on and I knew he wasn’t feeling well. Again, that happens to a lot of guys where they get sick and they play. I do know he’s a very tough guy and he’s a very fine center. We need to be strong up the middle here to be good and I’m really glad he’s our center. I’ve got a strong appreciation for what he is as a player.”

Should Mack not be able to play against the Raiders, veteran Steve Vallos would make his ninth career start.

“Linemen -- in practice -- get lots of reps, whether it be rotating through with the active guys or the scout-team reps,” Shurmur said. “I feel like it’s always best if you’re getting a bunch of reps, but it’s not like he’s been on the shelf. He’s been getting a lot of practice. He’s got experience, so I’m very confident that if he gets in there, he’ll do a good job.”